: Unlike most of their collaborations where Taupin wrote lyrics first, Elton John composed the melody and most of the first line ("What have I got to do to make you love me") on the piano before Taupin finished the lyrics.
The song was a significant commercial success in both its original and duet forms:
: Reached No. 11 in the UK and No. 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It also topped the US and Canadian Adult Contemporary charts. Blue, Elton John - Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word
The song is a mournful ballad originally written and recorded by Elton John in 1976 and later famously revived as a collaboration with the British boy band Blue in 2002. History and Composition
: It explores the difficulty of genuine communication and the realization that an apology, while necessary, may be too late to save the relationship. : Unlike most of their collaborations where Taupin
: Reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart in December 2002. This gave Blue their third No. 1 single and Elton John his fifth. Notable Versions Notable Achievement Elton John US Gold certification; iconic soft-rock ballad. Blue ft. Elton John UK No. 1 hit; introduced the song to a new generation. Ray Charles & Elton John
: Written by Elton John and his long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin , the song was the lead single from John’s 11th studio album, Blue Moves . 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100
: The lyrics are framed as a series of desperate questions (e.g., "What do I do to make you want me?") that reflect a sense of defeat and unrequited love. Chart Performance